In the Charlestown Navy Yard, visitors can climb aboard the 225-year old USS Constitution or the USS Cassin Young, a World War II-era destroyer. Not enough time for a full Aquarium visit? The outdoor harbor seal enclosure provides great entertainment for passerby whether the seals are frolicking or floating. Inside the Aquarium, watery exhibitions wrap around a giant ocean tank with touch tank experiences along the way. What you can do there: This ferry connects two of the biggest draws for Boston tourists: the New England Aquarium and the USS Constitution. Pulling into Charlestown, the ferry dock at Pier 4 provides a picture perfect view of the Bunker Hill Monument.

The bottom of the original Custom House building once sat at the water’s edge, but reclamation efforts have put quite a bit of city between it and the modern shoreline. As the boat slowly pulls out of Long Wharf, take in the view of the Custom House Tower with its magnificent clock face. On the way: The upper deck of this little ferry is the place to be. Whether the vessel departs from Long Wharf or one of the newer docks, now is the perfect time to head to the water and climb aboard. With parks to explore, breweries to try, and museums to visit at one end or the other, not to mention stunning views of the skyline and shoreline along the way, the trip is part of the adventure. Throughout much of the 20th century, water transportation options declined as folks climbed aboard the Blue Line and into their cars.īut in recent years, there’s been a resurgence in options for exploring Boston Harbor by boat, and the longer, warmer days mark the return of seasonal service. Before there were bridges and tunnels and cars and trains, Bostonians traveled by boat-crisscrossing the harbor and rivers by ferry. Whether you’re looking for a way to cool off, see Boston through new eyes, or just avoid the perpetually bad traffic, a range of ferries and water shuttles provide a lovely option for summer travel around the area. Photo by Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

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